Senior Pet FAQ

Using the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) standard — a dog is senior once it reaches the last 25% of its expected lifespan — most dogs become senior somewhere between about 7 and 10: around 10 for small breeds, around 9 for medium and large breeds, and around 7 for giant breeds. Our senior age calculator works it out by size. The key indicators aren't just age — watch for reduced energy, stiffness after rest, graying around the muzzle, and changes in sleep patterns. Once you notice any of these, it's worth adjusting their environment and routine.

Under the 2021 AAHA/AAFP Feline Life Stage Guidelines, cats are senior once they're over 10 years old; cats aged 7 to 10 are mature adults. Common signs of aging in cats include reduced jumping, changes in appetite, increased sleeping, and withdrawal from social interaction. Senior cats often benefit from low-entry litter boxes, raised feeding stations, and heated sleeping surfaces that support their changing needs.

Ask your vet whether a joint supplement makes sense for your dog.

Dogs are naturally inclined to hide pain, so the signs are often subtle. Watch for reluctance to climb stairs or jump into the car, slower pace on walks, difficulty standing up after lying down, panting without exertion, reduced appetite, and licking or chewing at specific joints. Behavioral changes like increased irritability, withdrawal, or restlessness at night are also common indicators. If you notice any of these patterns, talk to your vet. Pain is often easier to manage when it's caught early, and home changes like ramps and non-slip rugs can make the day easier.

A supportive foam bed is the usual starting point for a dog with arthritis. Look for high-density foam (not egg-crate or fiber fill) that won't compress flat under sustained weight. The bed should be thick enough not to "bottom out": press down where your dog's hips would rest, and if you can feel the floor, it's too thin. A waterproof liner protects the foam from accidents, which are more common in older dogs. Low entry points or bolstered edges help dogs who struggle to step over raised sides. The goal is a surface that distributes weight evenly and supports joints throughout the night.

Small environmental changes make a significant difference for senior pets. Place non-slip rugs or carpet runners on hard floors — slippery surfaces can cause anxiety and physical strain in dogs with weakened hind legs. Use ramps for furniture and vehicles instead of expecting jumps. A raised bowl means less reaching down, but if you have a large or deep-chested dog, ask your vet first: a veterinary evidence review advises feeding bloat-prone breeds from the floor (Buckley, Veterinary Evidence, 2017). Provide multiple resting spots throughout the house so your pet doesn't have to travel far. Keep the home at a comfortable temperature and offer warm, draft-free resting spots; many senior pets seek out warmth. For cats, ensure litter boxes have low entry points and are placed on every floor of the home.

There's no single number for every pet, so ask your vet. As a reference point, AAHA's 2023 senior care guidelines recommend bloodwork (a blood count and chemistry panel) plus a urine test every 6 to 12 months for senior dogs and cats (AAHA, 2023), which means a vet visit at least that often. Regular checks help your vet catch issues like kidney disease, dental problems, thyroid imbalances and early arthritis sooner, and many conditions — particularly in cats — show few outward signs until they're advanced. Between visits, keep a log of any behavioral changes to share with your vet.